Strengthening food supply resilience: Lean and Lean Six Sigma strategies for disruptions

Recognizing that the food industry faces a myriad of challenges, ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts and pandemics, this study explores how Lean, and Lean Six Sigma (L&LSS) can fortify supply chains against such diverse disruptions. While the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a contextual backdrop, our focus is on the broader application of L&LSS methodologies in navigating disruptive events. This study analyzes responses from 120 food firms, utilising structural equation modelling to correlate L&LSS practices with adaptive performance during crises. Our findings indicate that L&LSS not only equip firms to maintain operational continuity amidst disruptions but also positions them to anticipate and adapt to future systemic shocks. By elucidating the positive correlation between L&LSS engagement and crisis resilience, this research contributes a strategic framework to the literature, advocating for a pre-emptive embrace of L&LSS practices as essential to navigating the unpredictable nature of global crises.